The quick get-away in Camiguin Island this summer was again another time to relax, recharge and remind myself I need to be on the road again!
While I was planning for an escape to my go-to diveshop, my buddy randomly suggested for a quick dive trip wherever I want! 😊Apparently, my happy smart choice was my favorite island – not so distant, not crowded and not expensive. Being just few weeks after the Holy Week*, it was peaceful and not crowded as I wanted it to be. Too provincial, as my dive buddy described when we had an afternoon walk from the market.
We were happy to be back at Mabini Hotel as our refuge, the staff were friendly and so helpful. And practically, walking distance to important spots in the town – church, market, police station, shops, bank. Our dives arrangement done perfect with Scuba de Oro.
The next morning, we’re up early for the preliminaries – Angel’s early walk, packing up gears, my dailies and a relaxing light breakfast. Our DM picked us up promptly at 8:30am to the dock which was 18 kms away, the cheery weather was all we need to brighten up that Friday!
Marine Sanctuary
We got on the paddle boat that brought us to dive boat anchored about 100 meters away, sunny skies and calm waters was just perfect for the dives! In no time, we sailed for Mantigue after all the necessary stuff were loaded. Just watching the wide blue seas with its gentle breeze was just a good start. Again, it was an exclusive dive for us! 😊
DM Amir joined us in our first dive at the Sanctuary, the waters was just right – on a high tide with very mild current. Our giant stride gave a huge splash on the waters! We descend slowly hoping to find a school of jacks. Alas, my dive computer wasn’t working later I realized it was battery low already and this is one of those situations when I felt lost when I don’t have a dive computer. Then I felt struggling with my buoyancy, figuring out why when I always have 6 pounds weights. I wasn’t listening when Angel suggested he would have extra weight in case my wetsuit would keep me positively buoyant. The whole time our DM was on the lookout for me.
We sighted at least three groups of giant trevallies as we went, not so much in number compared last time but much bigger. The ever gentle turtles crossed our way, three of them wading coyly. I was wondering if these turtles were hatched in the island or are they males felt safe and contented to inhabit the sanctuary. The reef fishes were all over, few drummers showed up. There were triggerfish, anthias, wrasses, fusiliers, anemone fish, sand perch, and more. There were blue stars scattered around and found more culcita which was not a common sight before. Some sponges, sea cucumbers, whips and few androids.
We spent 57 minutes, had my deepest at 22m and my air down to 70 from 200 bars.
Turtle Point
After more than an hour for our surface interval, we prepared for our next dive at the Point – Angel’s favorite. 😊This time, my weight was increased and Angel offered his new dive computer (Garmin Descent 2) which I was grateful! To make our dives count, we brought our net bag as Amir urged, for some trash clean up. And right, all was well – my buoyancy was perfect and my depth, NDL and safety stop were monitored accurately which is very relevant to me. We descend to a sandy slope and went deeper down expecting some surprise!
Well, we encountered six turtles – two were sleeping quietly in their spot, none of them were threatened as we passed by observing them. Angel and I stopped momentarily in white sandy slope observing the garden eels, their territory became wider I observed. Amir led us for the search of the elusive juvenile leaf scorpion fish, it didn’t disappoint us as it appeared perched on a stone coral. It was a rare sight, and I guess I wouldn’t find if I’m alone – one needs keen eyes for this critter. A lone chevron barracuda darted fast few meters away, stunned for a bit what was it! It was surprising, there were lot of critters I observed dwelling at the Point. Bannerfishes, angels, snappers, moorish idol, fusiliers, anthias, pufferfish, yellow damsels and lot more. A moray eel also peeped from its hole observing us, there were blue stars and culcita’s all over. It felt surreal with that large throng of juvenile cardinal fish, so tiny thousands of them wiggling over the colorful corals!
We ascend with a bagful of trash – plastic cutlery, sachets, discarded clothing, plastic caps, sanitary napkin, bottle, cans and more plastics. Well, the sanitary nap was gross, but I didn’t let it go. It was a dive clean-up indeed! We had 62 minutes with 23.1 meters as my deepest and my air down to 80 bars.
Our sumptuous lunch was waiting for us as we got into the boat, the most relaxing part after good dives was while enjoying our meal talking about the sightings and dive trips stories. 😊
Isla Charms
Our last dive in the island was two years ago right in the same spot yet being underwater is always mystery – new encounters, new lessons and whole gamut of bliss beyond the surface. It’s beauty and wonder cannot be equaled. To our delight, our DM allowed us for a quick hop to the island using the paddle boat! 😊 The white beach became wider this time, and there was some kind of sandbar that extends a little farther. What a joy – getting a good view of the main island! The mountains all green capped with white clouds, such a beauty!
We went back to Mambajao with our DM driving for us, such generous soul. We planned for sunset in White Island like we used to in previous years but unfortunately all tourist spots now in Camiguin Island closed at 5pm. Making most of the day, we had a detour to Katibawasan Falls for a quick dip to freshen up, the cold waters was good enough but have to leave immediately before the gates would close. ☹ We capped the day watching the sunset at Chill’s Resto instead!
As I watched leaving the port next morning, had that gnawing feeling of not getting enough. I whispered to myself and promised I’ll be back again soon! Honestly though, I miss those times watching sunset in White island or the night dip in Hot Spring. Those moments when there was no need to rush.
*Tourists and many people would flock during the Holy Week for the annual Panaad, where devotees would walk around the island as pilgrims for the Way of the Cross.
Life in the Great Beyond 
You must be logged in to post a comment.